The jackets once donned by retired British Army veterans are experiencing a revival as they prepare to be showcased at the Chelsea Flower Show.
These iconic red coats, adorned with black cuffs and gold buttons worn by the Chelsea Pensioners residing at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in south-west London, are being transformed into cushions.
Veterans are participating in the process of dismantling these wool uniforms, which are being replaced with a more comfortable fabric, while inmates are tasked with the sewing as part of an initiative by the charity Fine Cell Work.
“It’s quite therapeutic,” shares Chelsea Pensioner Anne Lloyd as she carefully removes stitches, detaches buttons, and cuts fabric from a ceremonial crimson uniform.
Each jacket is methodically taken apart and reassembled into cushions for seating in the Chelsea Pensioners Garden, which will be featured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
This annual event takes place every May within the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
At 79, Ms. Lloyd refers to herself as a “newcomer” to the Royal Chelsea Hospital, having moved there last November.
Wearing the crimson jacket for her first time was a significant moment for her.
“Oh, it’s absolutely wonderful,” she exclaims. “It’s such an honor. Once you put it on, you feel as if you’ve grown taller by six inches.”
She looks forward to witnessing the completed cushions made from the reimagined uniforms.
Once the flower show concludes, the garden on display will be transformed into a private retreat for the Chelsea Pensioners, their families, and fellow veterans—notably featuring the scarlet cushions.
“The best part is that we will get to keep it afterward, allowing all the pensioners to enjoy the garden,” she adds.
Fine Cell Work is dedicated to rehabilitating current inmates and those recently released by providing them with skills in embroidery and textile work.
The charity collaborates closely with the pensioners on this project.
Workshops manager Jordanne Cliffe states, “When we launched Fine Cell Work 26 years ago, our goal was to give prisoners the chance to acquire new skills in embroidery and sewing.”
“About seven years ago, we established our post-release program, enabling those who stitched with us in prison to continue receiving support after their release.”
The cushions will be taken into the prisons for final embellishments by workshop participants, before being set up at the Chelsea Flower Show.
